Catch the Christmas spirit at Bishop Hill’s Julmarknad

Thursday

Nov 14, 2013 at 9:00 AM

Dates set for annual holiday event Nov. 29-Dec. 1, Dec. 7-8

Prepare for the holidays by attending Julmarknad, or Christmas Market, in Bishop Hill Nov. 29 through Dec 1 and Dec. 7 and 8. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.each day.The attractions include Swedish folk characters, traditional Swedish holiday decorations, and Christmas gifts for sale. See Tomten, our Swedish elves, roam through the town, shaking hands with visitors, looking through windows, and peeking around corners in their red and grey outfits. Visitors are also advised to be on the lookout for the Julbock, or yule goat with its large, straw head.Cookie baking will be done in the 1860’s Bjorklund Hotel kitchen. Visitors can sample freshly baked cookies from 1 to 3 p.m. on Nov. 29 through Dec. 1, only.A Christmas Cookie Walk will be held Friday, Nov. 29 and Saturday Nov. 30 only at the Colony School. Homemade cookies and baked goods can be purchased by the pound. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Also this year, children can visit with Santa at the Welcome Center on Saturday, Nov. 30 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. sponsored by the Prairie Arts Center.A Chocolate Walk will be held Saturday, Dec. 7 and Sunday, Dec. 8, only. Quality chocolates may be purchased by the pound at the Welcome Center. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Several new exhibits will be on display throughout the town. “Wintertime in Bishop Hill” will be presented at the Bishop Hill Museum at the south entrance of town. A working model railroad with the exhibit. Swedish Christmas Traditions will be on display in the Steeple Building. At the Welcome Center, a Christmas tree display will be created that illustrates the Bishop Hill Colony’s rag rug industry. A multi-artist exhibit will also be located at VagnHall Galleri in the Prairie Arts Center.For more information call (309) 927-3899 or visit www.bishophillheritage.org.Julmarknod events are sponsored, in part, by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council.